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Outstanding teachers recognised

Professor Des Richardson from Sydney Medical School who was one of nine academics to be recognised for outstanding teaching.

Congratulations to the nine colleagues from five different faculties who have received national recognition for their outstanding teaching.

The federal government's Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) announces Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning every year to recognise quality teaching practice and contributions towards student learning.

Including a joint citation for two staff, the University received eight citations for 2013, the maximum number the OLT awards to any one institution.

"Great teachers inspire and motivate our students. I congratulate all the award recipients for the enthusiasm and dedication they have shown to their students," said University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence.

One recipient, Professor Des Richardson from the Department of Pathology at the Sydney Medical School, said that his students were the lifeblood of his research.

"I strongly believe one of the greatest contributions of my career has been through teaching PhD students who then go on and make their own important discoveries and subsequently mentor others," Professor Richardson said.

Dr Rebekah Moles (Faculty of Pharmacy) for her creative approach to teaching that requires her students to search for answers and stimulates their curiosity. She has also worked on initiatives to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue careers in pharmacy.

Dr Susan Banki (Faculty of Arts and Social Science) whose teaching is driven by the motto non pro schola, sed pro vita - not for school, but for life. Her passionate and engaged teaching practices have inspired student learning through innovative teaching approaches, including the development of a unique Human Rights Simulation

Dr Danny Liu (Faculty of Science) who instills a sense of curiosity and scientific thinking in his students by designing learning environments that foster confidence and independence through guided investigation.

Citation winners receive $10,000. The presentations for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will be held on Tuesday 17 September at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney.